Auto shows or exhibitions are usually the place where auto manufacturers showcase their cars and technologies. In Japan, if you want to see new car models, you will have to visit the Tokyo Motor Show. But the Tokyo Auto Salon is where designers and engineers unleash their talents in customisation.

At the upcoming 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon (13-15 January), Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase several of their customised vehicles. On top of this, Mazda will also display its SKYACTIV engines and transmissions. First of all is the new and recently released CX-5. This special edition CX-5 is based on a standard CX-5 model grade. It combines a red exterior body paint work with matte black alloy wheels and a slightly lowered body height.

Next is the Mazda Demio (also known as the Mazda 2) SKYACTIV Smart Stylish. This model's low centre of gravity is expressed through M'z Custom aero parts including front under spoiler, side skirts, and rear underskirt.

Next is the Mazda Axela (Mazda 3) SKYACTIV Sport. The Axela comes with a range of aero parts including front air dam skirt, rear bumper, and rear roof spoiler for the exterior. The interior gets black leather upholstery for the seats, centre console and door trims. The centre console, meter hood and door switch panel surfaces are finished in piano black.

The Mazda Roadster (MX-5) Black Tuned integrates black-based features onto both the interior and exterior of the car. This tuned model offers a full range of exclusive aftermarket items which includes BBS lightweight alloy wheels, Bilstein height adjustable dampers, Brembo brake system (painted in gold for the front callipers) and RECARO seats.

Next up is the Mazda RX-8 Spirit R 2012. Mazda states that this model is an expression of the further pursuit of superlative driving performance, a further evolution of the limited edition Mazda RX-8 Spirit R with 6-speed manual transmission. In addition to the base model's unique sporty design and dynamic performance, the model features BBS 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and rotors, and vehicle height lowered by 20mm.

And lastly the Mazda Roadster (MX-5) NR-A “Jimba-Ittai”. This racing-spec version of the lightweight, two-seater open-top sports car which features customised paintwork designs used exclusively by the Mazda team that participates in the annual four-hour endurance race for the media. This NR-A spec was the standard spec for this year's race, and it includes Enkei 16-inch alloy wheels, Bridgestone 16-inch tyres, Bilstein dampers for a 20mm lowered vehicle height, Endless brake pads, Takata four-point racing harness, etc.